Violet Tulipe was born into a very noble and prestigious family known by all as the Underlands and her birth name, her true name, was Alyssa Underland. People would expect the life of an Underland to be easy and full of enjoyment, but what Alyssa experienced did not reflect those expectations. Alyssa's childhood was filled with etiquette and rules she always had to follow. The poor girl hardly had anytime to be herself, except for what little time she spent in her room tending to a small tulip given to her as a gift from her late mother, Iris Underland. As the first child to the main family household, Alyssa was entitled to the vast family fortune on her fifteenth birthday, but this only made her life worse. It made her a target. The Underland families from the side branches attempted multiple assassinations against her to obtain the family fortune and power for themselves. Alyssa's own father couldn't and refused to help her because as a girl, he only saw Alyssa as a political pawn to marry off to another noble family for the sole purpose gaining more wealth and power for the family name.
Setting: Clair's Office
"I always had my suspicions about the Underland family. They pretend to be the perfect family in front of the world, but underneath the surface they're cruel, power-hungry people...uh sorry," Clair apologized, not wanting to offend Violet in any way.
"No, all that stuff is true. It was like living in a mad house. Everyday, your mind felt like it was being peeled and eventually lose your sense of reality. That place is for the truly insane. The fact that I've kept my sanity was a miracle itself." Violet completely agreed with everything Clair said. Although she was talking freely about her family, it didn't mean it was easy to do. Memories were surfacing and Violet was doing her best to keep them under control. She didn't like thinking about her old life.
"I want to ask you something and feel free to say no but I'm curious; how did you get out f your old home?"
"They forced me to... I finally couldn't take it anymore. I hated having no control over my life, or whatever life I had living in such a messed up place, so I made the first, real choice I ever made; I decided to kill Alyssa Underland." For once in their encounters, Clair de Lune was the one who was left silent and confused.
"My extended family made several assassination attempts on my life before, so I staged one of my own by burning down my room and most of the west wing of my mansion. I left everything behind, including something very special to me, a tulip given to me by my mom before she died." Violet had to pause. She was beginning to choke up at the thought of her mother, the only sane person who truly cared for her. It was only unfortunate that she died. The madness of the Underland family overwhelmed her. Violet regained her composure and continued, but Clair could see how the girl was struggling.
"I smuggled some money from my old home before setting out, but I abandoned everything else from my former life. I kept the tulip in my thoughts and I adopted the name Violet Tulipe. And in memory of my mother, I dyed my hair purple to mimic her hair, but hers was long, beautiful, and cascading purple. I cursed myself for being born with wretched father's blond hair, so I cut it down as low as I could. During the three years after leaving my family, I learned how to fight by observing different fighting styles throughout Vacuo and honing my skills, forged my own weapons, and eventually made a home for myself outside of Fortuna. That is, until I meet my boys and they changed everything."
"They made everything better," Clair corrected, with a happy face.
"How did you know who I was?" Violet really wanted to know. She thought she burned all bridges that could connect her to Alyssa or anything from her past.
"I don't expect you to remember this, but we've met before." Clair surprised Violet to the highest degree. She would've remembered something like that.
"It was six years ago. Your father was actually meeting my father for the first time at a social gathering for many wealthy aristocrats and influential individuals in Atlas. I met many people. They varied from well-known Huntsmen and Huntresses, officers in the Atlesian Military, businessmen like the Schnees, and instructors from different academies. But you, you stood out to me, more than anyone, but not in a good way. We never formally met, but I did see you beside your father several times and you looked so sad and empty that it broke my heart, I felt so bad for not talking to you and trying to be your friend. Your face never left my mind and when you moved to Fortuna I was so relieved to know you put that life behind you, but you kept your distance from everyone so I left you alone until you were ready and that was my mistake. I should've approached you the minute you came to Fortuna, but I didn't. I wanted to be your first real bond, but alas, that privilege belongs to your boy-to- I mean your boys and I think they did a better job than I ever could. I'm glad the whims of Fortuna smiled upon you," she said, with mixed emotions. There was happiness, some playfulness, but mostly sorrow and truth in her voice.
Clair's words hit Violet in a very vulnerable place. She had no idea Clair felt this way about her or that she feels guilty about her past. This emotional openness was something she hasn't experience, even with the other members of VRSZ, and she wasn't sure how to deal with it so she spoke honestly.
"You don't have to feel bad about what happened to me. I finally made it out of that life, right?" Violet tried to lighten the mood. She'd choose a happy, teasing, mysterious Clair over a sad one any day.
"I guess you're right."
"Listen, even though you weren't able to become my first friend, it doesn't mean you can't be my friend now." Violet said, and it seemed to have an effect because Clair lifted her head.
"I would like to have another girl to talk to. Being surrounded by boys can be a real pain in the ass sometimes." For once Violet was the playful one trying to get the other out of their funk and it was working because Clair finally cracked a smile.
"Yes, Wallflower. That would be lovely," Clair said, ending the conversation and beginning a new friendship.
Setting: Concordia Main Hall
Ghost and the rest of VRSZ were waiting patiently for their respective ladies to finish whatever discussion they were having. They sat in chairs as the people working and moving in Concordia passed them by. Seeing no better opportunity, Silver walked over to Ghost, who was standing away from the rest of the team, to talk to him and so the others couldn't hear.
"Ghost, I wanted to ask you something about your father."
"Go ahead."
"Clair said your father was from Atlas and he wanted to make up for the things he's done?" Silver asked, but knew the answer and what his father did based on the jacket Ghost wears despite it being bleached and tattered. He just wanted to hear Ghost say to get the full story.
Ghost's eyes were on Silver then they shifted to the floor before he said, "Yeah, my dad wasn't always a...good guy. In his younger years, he was part of a gang in Atlas called Greyhound." Hearing someone else say their name shook Silver a little, but he kept his cool. He didn't want to display any visible reactions.
"He worked for them as a way of getting by in life. Believe it or not, living in Atlas isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"As an Atlesian orphan, I couldn't agree more. Glad I finally got out of that place," Silver agreed, in a snarky but friendly manner.
"Yeah, Clair researched you guys and told me you were from Atlas too. Anyway, my dad said Greyhound wasn't perfect, they were a small, unorganized gang that had goals far out of their reach, but they did give him protection, as long as he was useful."
"Useful?" Silver questioned, acting like he didn't know what Ghost meant.
"Dad told me that Greyhound looks out for the pack, but those who fall behind, get left behind." Silver couldn't help but think of his own status as a Greyhound when he said that. Whether he was important enough for them to keep or not was open for debate. "Unfortunately, that didn't happen when it came to my dad."
"After I was born, dad decided to take less dangerous assignments, then he put more focus on keeping me safe until he realized he couldn't, not as long as he was a part of Greyhound so he deserted them, he didn't want me to be a part of that kind of life."
"But leaving Greyhound means-" Silver stopped himself there because he spoke with too much familiarity about how they do things and would likely compromise his mission.
"I guess you heard how they do business too," Ghost said, not suspecting a thing. "The worthless and weak are abandoned, but the ones who run away, they're hunted down and eliminated, like my dad." Ghost was clearly not happy about this part.
"We were chased for months across Atlas until my dad decided to cross borders and ride an airship to Vacuo, but it wasn't enough because they tailed us here too. It wasn't until we made it to Fortuna that dad decided to give up. He couldn't run from them any longer, but he couldn't let me pay for his wrongdoings as a member of Greyhound, so he did the only thing he could; he left me here so he could pay for his past sins. Dad begged Lady Clair to accept me and let himself be captured and killed by Greyhound elsewhere to keep me safe, he wanted to do one good thing before dying." Ghost ended his story and Silver was amazed.
"I had no idea. And that jacket you wear?" Silver said, while Ghost gripped the sleeve of the aforementioned jacket. "A memento he gave me before leaving Fortuna. It was worn and torn, and he bleached it so no one could connect it to Greyhound. I wear it to remind myself of him," Ghost answered, full of pride.
"Good, it's only coincidence," Silver thought, no longer thinking his mission was in jeopardy, but he did think about Greyhound and how it has been failing in recent years.
Atlesian police and military had spread Greyhound's numbers thin, not to mention losing turf wars with the White Fang, a group too powerful for Greyhound to ever beat. The only reason they sent Silver to Vacuo was to set new grounds for a new base of operations, but they needed any and all potential threats to be eliminated. All on his own, Silver eliminated threat after threat until he found a place he believed was perfect for them, Fortuna. He came here with the goal of purging all threats which only appeared to be Royal and his men, but now things have changed. He made friends, teammates that will have his back and never leave him behind. The only problem was they've also become a threat.
This mission Greyhound sent him on was practically a suicide mission that they forced upon Silver and he was in no position to refuse. Greyhound was falling apart and they were desperate. Silver only needed to contact them on his scroll and they'll come to his location, but he was almost having second thoughts. If he had it his way, Silver would delete the contact from his scroll and live his own life, but he learned a long time ago that Greyhound owns his life and they could take it if he tried to walk away.
Just then, Violet and Clair appeared from the staircase, both seeming to be in positive moods. Violet called her boys over and they came to her side, waiting on her to say something, but unexpectedly, Clair did to Team VRSZ what she did when she first met them; gave each of them a kiss on the cheek, but unlike the first time, she lingered a little longer and was much more affectionate. And just like last time, the boys of VRSZ stumbled before Clair's fondness. Remus' face was completely red and the only thing he could do was look at the floor with one hand resting on the spot Clair kissed. Silver was a little more composed than the last time, but he couldn't look at anyone in the eye. His line of sight wandered everywhere. Zelts was like a statue, frozen like time itself stopped. Violet was also taken for a loop, but her demeanor remained unchanged, knowing how Clair felt after what they just talked about earlier.
"The battle between Royal is over, let's go home," Violet said, uncharacteristically chipper and sporting a grin the others have never seen before. "Thanks again, Clair."
"Take care, my favorite mercenaries," Clair said happily but her words made Violet think about something.
"I think titles like mercenaries and bounty hunters don't really describe us well enough. Think of Team VRSZ more like freelancers."
A Few Days Later
When news of Royal's defeat by Team VRSZ coupled with his departure hit Fortuna, everyone celebrated. Citizens were beyond happy. They finally felt safe from the tyrant's clutches. Parties and festivals were held back to back for no other reason than to rejoice. While all of this was taking place, Team VRSZ stayed in their base for some well deserved rest and relaxation. With the bounties on their heads finally lifted, life for the team, now calling themselves, freelancers, finally returned to normal or whatever was normal for VRSZ.
Silver was making lunch for everyone with his usual elegant touch. Putting on the finishing touches, he presented his work of art; skillet chicken with creamy spinach artichoke sauce. He bought the ingredients in Fortuna and used his talent for cooking to create this culinary piece. He placed three plates on the table for everyone except himself then walked to the living room and purposely fell over the back of the couch to sit on it upside down, all while texting on his scroll.
"You're not eating?" Zelts asked from the table before eating.
"Nah, I'm actually meeting up with Ghost to hang out. I'll eat while I'm out," Silver answered without taking his eyes off scroll.
"I can't believe you two became friends." Violet was perplexed how a friendship was forged between Silver and Ghost.
"What do you mean?"
"All your time with each other has been nothing but trickery, threats, deception, and fighting."
"Yeah, that's called bonding." His short and simple answer was too stupid for Violet to give a reply, but it's not like she didn't understand. She made plans to hang out with Clair tomorrow, so she didn't press on about Silver and Ghost's new friendship and continued eating.
Silver suddenly flipped himself off the couch and started walking to the door. He waved them goodbye before leaving the base.
Remus was silently finishing his meal with enthusiasm and making joyful expressions with every bite. "Silver's cooking is the best! I'm glad he lives with us!"
Violet looked down at her food and thought about everyone on her team. About how much they changed her life. Whether she knew it or not, she was smiling blissfully.
"I'm glad you all live with me too." Violet thought she said this in her head, but she said it aloud with Remus and Zelts looking at her.
She felt extremely embarrassed when she realized her blunder and was blushing so hard the others could tell. She refused to look at either one of them in fear they would tease her. Zelts chuckled which made Violet blush deeper.
"We're glad to be living with you too," Zelts said, with a grin. Violet expected ridicule but received kindness instead. She looked at the both of them.
"Uh-huh," Remus agreed.
Violet smiled again. She's been doing a lot of that recently. She enjoyed the company of her friends.
"I want this to last for a long time," Violet thought ,contently.
Everyone at the table finished their meal and Violet got up. "Okay boys, time to go to work."
With their stomachs full and their gear ready, the three of them stepped out of their home and made their way to Fortuna. However, they walked back into the base and stood before the closet.
"Sorry guys, sometimes I can be a dunce," Violet said, opening the closet door and not one but three bodies fell out. Three men tied, gagged, and squirming on the ground in a fruitless attempt to get free. "Can't get paid without our bounties," she said, in a sing-song voice. Violet grabbed one of them and dragged them to the car while Zelts lifted the other two over his shoulders. With all three men crammed into the jeep, Team VRSZ began driving through the desert toward Fortuna.
Team VRSZ continued to do their daily living as freelancers; taking whatever job gives them the right amount of Lien, enjoying camaraderie, and pitying whatever poor soul that would dare approach them looking to start trouble.
This was the beginning of something new and exciting.
Team VRSZ Volume One: Complete
Additional Information
Team VRSZ's birthdays:
Violet: February 9th
Remus: Unknown
Silver: July 17th
Zelts: November 28th
Zelts is the eldest by two years and Violet is the second eldest, beating Silver by several months. Remus has no idea when he was born.
Team VRSZ Volume Two
First Chapter: Your Number One Fans, Team CLSH (Clash)